Tricycle federations across the National Capital Region have appealed to the Department of Transportation (DOTR) to ensure that public transport regulations are upheld consistently and fairly across all players in the sector.
The Metro Manila TODA Federation, representing hundreds of tricycle groups expressed its support for the LTFRB’s ongoing review of Move It’s operations, following concerns that the company has exceeded the authorized limit of 6,836 riders under the MC Taxi pilot program by deploying over 14,000 units.
“Kung ang malalaking kumpanya tulad ng Grab-Move It ay pwedeng palusutin ng gobyerno sa kabila ng mga paglabag, para saan pa ang batas?” different TODA leaders declared.
“Para po kay Secretary Vince Dizon at ang DOTR, huwag kayong matakot. Hindi kayo dapat maging bihag ng malalaking kumpanya. Kami sa transport sector ay nasa likod ninyo.”
According to official records, Move It was granted only 6,836 riders under the MC Taxi pilot program but has deployed over 14,000 units—an overreach the federation describes as blatant and dangerous.
“Ilang beses na bang sinubok abusuhin ang sistema? Ngayon pa lang dapat tapyasin ang pag- abusong ito. Kung palulusutin ito, bakit pa tayo may regulasyon?” said Navotas TODA president Boy Padya
The federation emphasized that this is not just about one company—it’s about preserving the credibility of the entire public transport policy framework.
“Malaking kumpanya man o maliit, sana pare-pareho ang panuntunan. Ang batas ay para sa lahat,” the group emphasized in a statement. They noted that colorum MC Taxis have led to increased congestion, unsafe roads, and the slow economic suffocation of legal transport groups.
“Araw-araw, nakikita namin ang epekto. Traffic, disgrasya, at nawawalang kita para sa mga lehitimong drayber. Ang 10,000 sobra sa allocation ay hindi simpleng pagkukulang—ito ay garapalang pag-abuso.”
On claims that the crackdown would affect the livelihoods of 14,000 riders, the federation acknowledged the importance of protecting jobs but stressed the need for shared accountability.
“Huwag ninyong gamitin ang mga rider bilang human shield para makalusot sa batas. Ang mga rider ay hindi dahilan, sila ay biktima ng pamunuan ninyo. Kung may malasakit kayo, sana hindi kayo lumampas sa alokasyon ninyo.”
The federation also raised concerns about potential monopolistic trends, pointing out that Move It’s ownership by Grab warrants careful oversight to preserve healthy competition in the sector.
In closing, the group appealed to Secretary Dizon to stand with the sector in upholding fairness and accountability. “Alam naming hindi madali ang desisyon, pero naniniwala kaming kayang balansehin ng DOTR ang pagpapatupad ng batas at ang kapakanan ng lahat ng mananakay at manggagawa. Nandito po kami para makipag-usap at makipagtulungan para sa mas ligtas, patas, at maayos na transportasyon sa bansa.”
The DOTR is scheduled to meet with the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group in the coming days. Transport groups across the country now view this decision as a line in the sand—one that will determine whether laws are meant to be enforced, or bent for the powerful.
